29 Aug 2015

On Friday, The Guardian claimed that Fenerbahce were close to signing Lazar Markovic on a year-long loan deal, but reports since then have dubiously claimed that Watford - who are struggling with a massive squad - are also interested in Liverpool's £20m attacker. Well, it seems that Markovic (unsurprisingly) chose Fenerbahce, and the deal is all but confirmed.

"Markovic was at Melwood on Thursday before being informed that a deal was close. As long as his discussions go well, his loan switch will be confirmed".

Earlier this afternoon, Markovic - hailed by Rodgers in pre-season for his 'excellent' finishing - tweeted the following picture, with the caption 'Hello Fener':

Markovic is in Turkey, and he's wearing a Fenerbahce scarf, so that's as clear an indication as any that the deal is done.

After wasting away on the bench and/ or out of position at Anfield, Markovic now has a chance to kickstart his career, something that was supposed to happen at Anfield.

Liverpool reportedly believe that 'Markovic has the talent to succeed at Anfield', but if he gets regular game-time in Turkey, will he even want to come back?

Markovic is just the latest in a long line of attacking players who've failed under Brendan Rodgers, with Coutinho and Sturridge the only forwards (to date) who have flourished under the Northern Irishman's tutelage.

The reality, though, is that Rodgers may not even be in charge when Markovic's loan spell ends next year, and that may make Liverpool seem a lot more attractive.